Life as a Graduate: 6 tips for getting ‘the job’ when you are underqualified

Being a fresh graduate, there might be a scenario when you find your dream job listed on a job portal but as you scroll down, you discover that although you have the desire to apply, your qualification is not sufficient for getting the job. However, try not to feel disappointed and keep yourself motivated during the job search. Despite not having every single requirement for being considered for a job, you can still crack the interview with the help of your passion and desire to aptly utilise your knowledge.

So, rather than losing ground, follow our below tips to easily grab the employer’s attention while applying for an underqualified job:

1. Expand your skill set

Just because you are a fresh graduate, you cannot solely rely on your academic qualifications to get a job. Pick up new skills by taking online courses, attending seminars or workshops or taking crash courses to broaden your horizon. Adding multiple skills to your resume will make you appear more proactive and passionate in your field.

If you don’t have enough time to acquire the complete skills listed in the job description, just go through its basics with the help of online tutorials. This will show employers that you are taking initiatives to gain the knowledge required for the job.

2. Utilise your networking skills

Never miss an opportunity to make new connections. You never know which connection might help you land your dream job. If you know someone working in the company or affiliated with it, get in touch with them. From endorsing you for the new position, these connections might also be helpful in giving you some inside secrets about the hiring process and advice on how you can tweak your resume to nail the interview.

3. Make yourself more employable

With a majority of university students graduating with a first-class degree, the competition has expanded beyond university grades. Employers now look for graduates who have also gained some hands-on experience at the time of their course duration.

The most practical way you can add experience in your resume while still studying is by working as a freelancer or taking an internship during your academic break. You can make yourself more employable by getting some practical experience through volunteering as well. This will greatly contribute to your chances to get the dream job and paint a broader picture of you as a self-starter and a team player in front of the potential employers.

4. Customise your CV/resume and cover letter for every application

It is OK to be desperate about finding a job, but sending a similar resume for numerous job openings will not be beneficial. So, take time to thoroughly read the job descriptions and customise your resume based on the job requirements. Strategically cut down the number of job applications and only apply for jobs that you are passionate about.

Additionally, don’t forget to add a cover letter providing a background of your qualifications and skill set. Writing a cover letter makes a good first impression. Just make sure you are honest while describing yourself.

5. Keep yourself updated with the industry news

Although you don’t have a job in hand, you must keep yourself updated with the latest industry news. Get an insight into the industry by reading business journals and publications, joining professional social media discussions and groups and by following social media feeds of various companies and industry influencers.

This will help you in getting to know about the ongoing trends and happenings within the industry and can be useful in establishing thoughtful conversations during your interview.

6. Prepare for the interview

The most crucial part of getting a job is to ace the interview. So, prepare well in advance for the interview to appear as confident as possible. There are sources on the internet where you can find the most popular interview questions. Be sure to research the company in advance to be able to answer basic questions raised by the recruiter.

Know your strengths and weakness and practice your tone to maintain a steady pitch during the interview. Positively highlight your strengths and show interest in overcoming your weaknesses. Also, pay attention towards reaching your interview location on time and in a professional business attire to make a good first impression.

Alex is a digital strategy consultant with over 9 years experience.
He is passionate about small business, startups and is particularly passionate about personal development for students and graduates. As a student who has studied overseas, Alex has first-hand experience in the difficulties revolving around getting your first job after graduating. He has also a regular contributor to Speak 2 The Geek